The professional custodians of American views of history have always named the same presidents as "great." It's always the presidents who abused power frequently, and expanded government power the most.

What makes this Festschrift exceptional? Many participants contribute significantly and originally — in the full spirit of the teachings of the man they honor. The highest form of academic recognition.

Who would join a radical minority movement, and commit him- or herself for life to social obloquy and a marginal existence, for the sake of 20% more bathtubs, or 15% more candy bars? Who will man the barricades either physically or spiritually, for more peanuts or Pepsi?

Among themselves, libertarians often see important dividing lines among various factions in terms of social views and lifestyles. But most on the outside define libertarianism as being overwhelmingly for one thing: excessive and "dogmatic" devotion to free markets.